Team Malaysia player dies during FIBA exhibition game

A member of the Malaysian national basketball team collapsed and died during an exhibition game in China on Sunday.

Jacky Ng Kiat Kee, 25, asked his coach to sub him out of the game before collapsing in front of the team bench. He would eventually be pronounced dead at a hospital in Jinjiang.

“It’s so sudden and too shocking because we never expected it at all,” says Malaysian Basketball Association secretary general Chey Thet Woon.

“Jacky was always so fit and health, he never complained of any sickness before.”

Jacky Ng Kiat Kee poses with fans.

This was a preparation game for Malaysia as they get set to participate for the FIBA Asia basketball championship in the Philippines on August 1st.

Malaysia’s head coach, Paul Advincula says Jacky was a hardworking, disciplined player who can be counted on to do whatever is asked of him.

“The team is saddened and grieving over the loss of Jacky. I want to be strong for the team but I cannot help but cry because Jacky was such a good and nice kid. We will play the Asia championships because this is what Jacky would have wanted us to do,” added Advincula.

Malaysia will enter the FIBA Asia championships with more than just the championship to play for. They will be playing with high spirits for their lost teammate.

Jack’s club team created a tribute photo album on facebook in his honor.

Nick Bedard (@bedardnick) is the editor-in-chief of Basketballbuddha.com.